Santa Maria Coghinas: River Landscape, Thermal Springs and Medieval Heritage

Maquis and River Landscape along the Coghinas

The hills surrounding the Coghinas River are covered with lush Mediterranean maquis. This includes, above all, wild olive trees and cork oaks, as well as mastic shrubs, phillyrea and rockroses. The landscape around the Coghinas therefore combines vegetation-covered hills with Mediterranean vegetation along the river. The Coghinas River provides the spatial link between the hills and the maquis.

Via the SS672 and SP92 to Santa Maria Coghinas

The journey initially follows the SS672 Sassari–Tempio state road, before turning towards Perfugas. From the exit towards Perfugas, the SP92 continues for approximately 13 kilometres to Santa Maria Coghinas. The turn-off to Perfugas marks the change from the SS672 to the SP92.

Church and Medieval Heritage

The parish church of Madonna delle Grazie was built in the ancient “villa Kokinas”. The “Condaghe di San Michele di Salvenero” records the ancient “villa Kokinas” in the 12th to 13th century. The church dates from the second half of the 12th century. Of its medieval construction phase, only the façade remains; it was rebuilt in the first quarter of the 14th century. The façade therefore belongs to a later construction phase than the construction of the church.

Towers and Castles in the Regional Surroundings

At the medieval Castello dei Doria, the Doria Tower is the best-preserved part. The Castello dei Doria - Chiaramonti, a castle, is also located in the wider regional surroundings of Santa Maria Coghinas. The area also includes Castelsardo Castle, likewise a castle, and the Roccia dell'Elefante, a ruin site.

Li Caldani on the Coghinas: Thermal Springs and River Beach

At Li Caldani, the hot springs of Casteldoria meet the Coghinas River. The thermal springs of Li Caldani near the Terme di Casteldoria contain salt, bromine and iodine and reach temperatures between 65 °C and 72 °C. In the immediate vicinity of Santa Maria Coghinas, the Li Caldani river beach lies on the left bank of the Coghinas. A wooden footbridge connects it with the nature park and the opposite bank in the Viddalba area. At Li Caldani, the hot springs, the Coghinas and the river beach thus come together; the wooden footbridge connects this area with the nature park and the opposite bank in the Viddalba area.

Beaches, Monte Ortigiu and Other Destinations

Spiaggia di Valledoria beach is located in the immediate vicinity of Santa Maria Coghinas. Monte Ortigiu and Spiaggia della Baia delle Mimose beach are also nearby. The surrounding area also includes Spiaggia di San Pietro beach and the Museo dell'Intreccio Mediterraneo, a museum.

You can discover further destinations via Sassari, Santa Maria La Palma, Ozieri, Ittiri, Alghero, Viddalba, Marina Di Sorso and San Nicola.

To the higher-level travel overview: Sassari.